LEGO can’t catch a break with the Darksaber

The LEGO Group is finally releasing a dedicated Darksaber element in this year’s Star Wars sets… and its timing genuinely couldn’t be worse.

LEGO Star Wars fans have been crying out for a dedicated Darksaber piece for years, and even more so when Din Djarin wielded the weapon again in 75325 The Mandalorian’s N-1 Starfighter. That set was rushed to shelves to tie into The Book of Boba Fett in 2022, and the LEGO Group said at the time that the shortened development schedule had prevented it from coming up with a new element.

Instead, we were left with the same standard lightsaber hilt and black blade originally employed all the way back in 9525 Pre Vizsla’s Mandalorian Fighter and 75022 Mandalorian Speeder, released alongside The Clone Wars in 2012 and 2013. The LEGO Star Wars team is now about to right that wrong in 75361 Spider Tank – but it still can’t catch a break when it comes to the Darksaber.

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Spoilers follow for The Mandalorian Season 3’s finale.

In the final episode of The Mandalorian Season 3, dubbed The Return, the ragtag team of Mandos – led by Bo-Katan Kryze – reclaim their home world by destroying Moff Gideon’s Imperial base. As the battle rages in space and on the ground, Din Djarin, Bo-Katan and Grogu face off against Moff Gideon and his trio of Praetorian Guards. And during that showdown, Gideon crunches the Darksaber in his fist.

It’s almost poetic: here is a LEGO Darksaber at last, just as the on-screen Darksaber is seemingly destroyed for good. It doesn’t stop the element from being a welcome one, just as we’re all still happy to snap up 75331 The Razor Crest long after the demise of the on-screen ship. But you have to chuckle at the timing, and the LEGO Group’s sheer misfortune with this particular Star Wars weapon.

Given the glut of Star Wars TV shows and movies coming our way over the next few years, the Darksaber’s destruction also means we’re unlikely to see it implemented in many more LEGO Star Wars sets (beyond perhaps any further The Mandalorian Season 3 models), as the LEGO Group will have to choose between revisiting previous icons and focusing on what’s new.

Exactly how much mileage will be had from the Darksaber mould – after all this time waiting for it – remains to be seen. But you’ve got to feel just a little bit sorry for the designers who put the effort into coming up with it…

You’ll be able to add the LEGO Darksaber to your collection in 75361 Spider Tank, which arrives on shelves on August 1 (and is available to pre-order now).

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